The following article appeared in the Letter to the Editor in Record Enterprise on April 27, 2006.

Letters

To Groton residents

To the editor:

To all those who have been keeping yourselves informed concerning the recent activities of the Groton Planning Board we applaud you and thank you. The members feel this is an opportune time to address the position of the board concerning the proposed Interim Ordinances which are now before the townspeople of Groton.

During the planning board meeting of February 22, it was noted by the planning board that not a single local area attendee expressed dissent, in any form, concerning the adoption of an Interim Growth Management Ordinance. In fact it should be recounted that the proposed ordinance was greeted with unanimous enthusiasm and applause. At this point the planning board was moved to sign the proposed ordinance for the regulation of commercial development.

The essence of our efforts, as pleaded by the Groton townspeople, shall be to designate Groton as a Rural Residential Development District. All other uses, specifically commercial uses, industrial uses and primary uses of land which are primarily non-residential in nature shall require a special exception to be granted by the town board of adjustment. In order to grant a special exception the board must find that:

A. The use will not be detrimental to the character of the town;

B. The use will not be injurious, noxious, or offensive to the town and no nuisance or unreasonable hazard will result;

C. The use will not be contrary to the public health, safety or welfare of the town by reason of undue or adverse traffic impacts, will not cause undue risk to life or property, will not be unsanitary or unhealthful and will not create other adverse conditions;

D. The specific site is appropriate for the use and the location and size of the use and the nature of operations involved will be in harmony with the orderly development of the town. There exists adequate water, sewer, or septic service, access to the sight and parking.

Here it should be clearly noted and understood, the only change to the document (as put forth on Feb.22) references 4A, 4B, and 4D where the planning board voted to change the word "neighborhood" to read "town," all other changes being of a grammatical nature. These scripts were then read to the public in their entirety at the required planning board meetings. Once again, there was no sign of voter dissent.

Therefore, in closing, the Groton Planning Board believes, with absolute conviction, that we are acting completely and faithfully to execute the will of those we represent as well as those area residents (with whom by good fortune) we share geographical proximity.

If there is any person who struggles with understanding the direction/intent of our elected office, we welcome their concerns at each and every planning board meeting.

The Groton Planning Board